Devonport is on Auckland's northshore, and is a great day trip to make. With beautiful historic houses, excellent second-hand book shops, great cafes and restaurants, and superb views over Auckland harbour and the surrounding area, it's a sure winner. The best way to get to Devonport is to catch a ferry. Its a short dash from the old Ferry Building in the Viaduct, under 15 minutes, and the ferry departs every half hour. Its almost better to just catch the ferry to Devonport than to go on a harbour cruise, as you pretty much get the same views and experience for a better price. Once you're there, the main street runs up from the ferry terminal, to the volcanic cone of Mount Victoria. Devonport has a great feel, is full of historic architecture and is packed with cafes, restaurants, and craft and book shops. Its always an adventure to head into one of the many second hand book stores, have a rummage around and hopefully find an old dusty treasure, and then delect over it while sipping on a great coffee. Once you're done looking around at the fascinating craft shops and galleries you can get a bit of exercise and stroll up Mount Victoria. Once you get to the top, the effort will be well worth it, you are treated to beautiful expansive views of the harbour, the peninsula and panoramas of Auckland city. A lighthouse and the remnants of Watch Towers from the second world war sit on top and are worth a bit of further exploration Devonport is a charming historic seaside village with a unique heritage - it has some beautiful beaches, art galleries, and some very friendly locals. It is one of the earliest European settlements and has some great examples of early colonial architecture. The New Zealand navy still has its base here and the Naval Museum is open daily with some fascinating exhibits and history. A great spot in Devonport is North Head. It has commanding views over the Hauraki Gulf and inner harbour and is a great spot for a picnic and some fun. If you are in an exploring mood its an excellent place to have a school boy adventure and explore the remains of world war two bunkers, gunnery emplacements, and a honeycomb of tunnels, chambers and fortifications. Devonport is definitely worth checking out. A great place to have an adventure, some great food and do a spot of exploring and shopping. If you head out for dinner and dine in one of the many restaurants you'll not only have a great meal but be treated to spectacular views of the Auckland skyline and harbour by night. | | | |